Title holders set to be on starting line
"Two years ago we thoroughly enjoyed our participation, and that has nothing at all to do with our winning the event. Apart from bargaining in the Medina of Sousse, we found time to visit the world heritage Roman coliseum at El Jem and made a point to...
"Two years ago we thoroughly enjoyed our participation, and that has nothing at all to do with our winning the event. Apart from bargaining in the Medina of Sousse, we found time to visit the world heritage Roman coliseum at El Jem and made a point to tour all the noteworthy archaeological sites peppering Carthage.
"That really gave added flavour to our Phoenician experience... for this year's edition we certainly look forward to be again on the starting line of this most commendable event."
These were the words of skipper Kevin Dingli who won the sixth edition of the bi-annual yacht rally between Malta, Lampedusa and Tunisia aboard Fekruna, a Beneteau Oceanis 411 Celebration, in 2007.
Past editions of the Phoenician Experience, open for both sailing and motor yachts, has shown that this rally serves to give newcomers an opportunity to live out their seamanship and put into practice their navigation knowledge and skill.
Besides the fun of cruising in company, there is the element of safety for those who would be venturing so far from their homeport for the first time.
However, one particular characteristic of this rally is the fact that the event has established itself as a pleasant appointment where the family holiday spirit is given more importance than the competitive sailing aspect.
The 2009 rally starts from Malta on July 24 and this year is expected to end up at Hammamet, in Tunisia, following a one night stop-over at Lampedusa and two days at Port El Kantaoui, a total of 320km sail.
At Port El Kantaoui, all participants and their families will be hosted to a gala dinner intended to be the crowning moment of the event's social aspect which is planned for July 27.
The Phoenician Experience has the support of the Tunisian National Tourism Office and Tunisian airline Sevenair, as well as the co-operation of the Embassy of Tunisia in Malta and the Embassy of Malta in Tunisia.
The winners of the past six editions were 1998 - Mirador (Donald Brincat), 1999 - Zarina (Winston V. Zahra), 2000 - Fjuri (Anthony Mangion), 2003 - Wishbone (Herman Baldacchino), 2005 - Water Lily (Joseph Scicluna) and 2007 - Fekruna (Kevin Dingli).
The Organising Committee of this seventh edition is made up of Roland Darmanin Kissaun, Wilfred Sultana, Mohamed Laamouz, Jovin Rausi, Anthony Demajo and Martin Azzopardi.
One may obtain more details on the rally through sevenair@maltanet.net.